Instructors Conference and Special Training

"Forging Unity, Strengthening Bridges". Once again Terry Besch took her training to the next level. From July 13th thru July 18th she trained at the Swarthmore College with the NWMAF. Some of the classes she attended included weave sticks with Sensei Jaye Spiro and kata application with Sensei Cunningham.

Girl Scout Troop # 695

Great job troop # 695. On April 16th they covered TaeKwonDo basics here at the academy. The punches were strong and the kicks were fast. They also learned that a high block works against a punch as well as against a shoulder grab. We had fun during the class and helped them learn how to be Courageous and Strong.

Mr. Malefyt Teaches Seminar

On December 12th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Mr. Malefyt hosted a TaeKwonDo seminar. It was a great workout and form seminar for only $20. We invited schools and students from around the area so it was an event that couldn't be missed. We had over 40 students training at one time, some came from as far as Albany NY to workout. We thank Mr. Malefyt again for joining us and for bringing our training to the next level.

Fall Tournament

Some of our students went to a TaeKwonDo tournament. On Saturday October 24th they competed in forms, sparring and board breaking. They did well and made us proud. Congratulations to Ms. Dehncke, Maggie Rose, Anthony M., Erin, and Monica. A special nod to Raghav for making it to the grand championships for his belt rank.

Branchburg Country Fair Demonstration

For the third year in a row Branchburg Martial Arts was invited to the Branchburg Country Fair to put on a demonstration. Thanks to all the students for their support this year and for coming out. It was a great time. Once again we kicked our best and showed what we have learned. Check out the PHOTO section of the website for new pictures.

ITF Seminar 2009 with Master Wheatley

MASTER WHEATLEY SEMINAR. On May 30th instructors and students attended the senior testing and form seminar being held by US-ITF president and 8th degree black belt Master Robert Wheatley. As instructors we are also still students and need to constantly hone our skills and learn new material which will end up on the workout floor for all of the students. We came away with a lot to practice and much to think about.

Woman's Special Training 2009

"Unity Strengthens, Diversity Transforms". With this thought in mind some of our female Black Belt women, Terry Besch, Karla Dehncke and Karyn Vaughn, made the trip to Oberlin College in Ohio to join the National Woman's Martial Art Federation. It was four days of intense and challenging workouts that ranged from "Multiple Kicks" to "Tactical Jaw and Limb Control".

U.S.A Martial Arts "Hall of Fame"

Congratulations to Mr. Barbolt. He was recently inducted into the 2009 U.S.A. Martial Arts "Hall of Fame." Originally created in 1976 it focuses on full and part time regular instructors rather than celebrity martial artists. Their mission is to recognize the leadership, sacrifices and dedication of today's local instructors.

"There is always a feeling of personal satisfaction from working hard and seeing the outcome. It's also a proud day when your peers notice, congratulate and support you. Thank you for the honor."

Kick A Thon for St. Jude

On March 28th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Branchburg Martial Arts hosted it's first annual Kick-a-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital. It was our chance to keep our word and give back to the community in an exciting way. Students were sponsored with a flat donation or for the number of kicks done.

We raised over $5200 for St. Jude!

Special thanks to Mr. Parker and his students from the Somerset Taekwondo Academy for joining us.